Nový rybník u Soběslavi

Nový rybník u Soběslavi is a protected nature reserve on the northern edge of the town of Soběslav, in the Tábor district of the South Bohemian Region. The area sits in the floodplain of the Černovický stream, centered on a pond covering roughly 14 hectares, surrounded by wet meadows, reed beds, and a belt of trees. The full protected area today spans about 22.45 hectares.

Why is this site protected?

Protection of this area dates back to 1949, when it covered a much larger territory of around 67 hectares. Over the following decades, the protected zone shrank considerably, mainly due to intensive agriculture, fish farming, and construction in the surrounding land. By the late 1990s the reserve had reached its present size of 22.45 hectares. Despite the reduction, Nový rybník remains one of the more valuable wetland sites in the Tábor region.

What can you see there?

The pond, together with the marsh bordering it to the north, forms a mosaic of habitats that is important for water and marsh birds. Floating vegetation islands on the water surface serve as nesting sites for rare bird species, including the black-crowned night heron, known for its nocturnal feeding habits and stocky silhouette. The little grebe, one of Europe's smallest grebe species, can also be found hiding among the reeds.

The reserve's plant life includes species typical of peat bogs and wet meadows, such as marsh fern and sundew — a small carnivorous plant that supplements its nutrient intake in nutrient-poor soil by trapping tiny insects on the sticky hairs of its leaves. The presence of sundew is a good indicator of the high ecological value and natural character of the wetland sections of the reserve.

Among the mammals recorded here are the Eurasian shrew and Natterer's bat, a species that hunts for insects over water and among the trees surrounding the pond, as well as the water vole, a rodent closely tied to aquatic and shoreline habitats.

What does the landscape around the pond look like?

The surroundings are typical of South Bohemia's fishpond country: flat terrain crossed by dikes and reed beds, with a belt of trees encircling both the pond itself and the adjoining wet meadows. This buffer zone plays an important ecological role, shielding the core of the reserve from the influence of the surrounding farmland and built-up areas.

How do you get to the reserve?

Nový rybník u Soběslavi lies directly along the northern boundary of the town of Soběslav, making it an easily accessible stop on walking and cycling routes through the area. Its proximity to town means it draws both birdwatchers planning a dedicated visit and local residents looking for a quiet place for a walk.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Nový rybník? The pond lies within a protected area valued for its ecological significance, so water recreation is not the intended use of the site — it is worth checking the signage on site for current rules.

When is the best time for birdwatching? The presence of species such as the night heron and little grebe means spring and early summer offer the best chances of spotting them, especially in the early morning.

How large is the reserve? It currently covers about 22.45 hectares, of which the pond itself accounts for roughly 14 hectares — a relatively compact but species-rich site.

Are there other attractions nearby? The reserve borders directly on Soběslav, a historic town in South Bohemia, making it easy to combine a visit to the reserve with a walk through the town itself.